Introduction
to CREW
Origins
of CREW
The
Cascadia Regional Earthquake Workgroup (CREW) arose out of several
regional earthquake hazard meetings funded by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and the US Geological Survey (USGS)
between 1992 and 1996. The need for CREW arose from the increased
awareness of the nature of earthquake
hazards in the Pacific Northwest and the interdependency of
public agencies and private companies in planning for earthquakes.
When
it Happened
- 1992
- A Cascadia earthquake workshop produces a preliminary
earthquake strategy for the Pacific Northwest and a list of
government agency needs and resources,
- 1993-94
- A survey leads to development of a more complete list of
needs and resources. The survey indicates there are key missing
"players", namely regional business corporations
and public lifeline utilities.
- 1995
- An expanded workshop includes many of the missing players
and results in the formation of a group committed to develop
an earthquake hazards work plan based on mitigation. The group
produces a mission statement, a
list of goals, and a work plan.
- 1996
- CREW is formed to implement the 1995 workshop directives
and to take the idea of a private/public partnership from
concept to reality. First annual meeting held in Seattle.
- 1997
- CREW becomes a non-profit corporation. Second annual meeting
held in Portland.
- 1998
- CREW contracts for its first Executive Director.
- 1999
- CREW holds its third annual conference at Bell Harbor Conference
Center in Seattle, WA.
CREW
includes members from public utilities,
major corporations, academia, and State emergency management who
have assumed leadership roles, thus allowing FEMA and the USGS
to assume support roles rather than a coordination role.
Structure of CREW
The
membership of CREW is open to business, scientific and government
organizations and other entities with an interest in Cascadia
Region earthquake risk mitigation. CREW includes a board of directors,
support team, and project teams.
| Board
of Directors |
Elected
from the General Membership each year. Described in bylaws.
Meet four times per year. |
| Support
Team |
Provides
administrative and logistical support and scientific advice
to the Board of Directors and project teams. Includes all
CREW officers. FEMA and USGS participate to the degree permitted
by law. Meets about once each month. |
| Project
Teams |
The
element through which specific CREW goals are accomplished.
Formed of CREW members and non-members possessing appropriate
expertise to accomplish goals. Include a balance of private
and public members. Teams are responsible to the Board of
Directors for developing projects, preparing and managing
project budgets and reporting progress. Meet as needed. |
